Broome is different, not just the climate and the fact that it has 2 seasons, wet and dry but perhaps because it is 3382 km from Sydney or 5 hours flying time. One guide talking about the history of the pearling industry said that in the early 20th century laws made by Perth or Canberra were taken as a recommendation.

Broome has a population of 16 000 which grows to 35 000 in the tourist season (this information supplied by driver of the Town Bus). Now there are back packers visiting and working in the tourist industry and many grey nomads, mostly couples some driving large SUVs towing huge caravans with bicycles hitched to the back. You see them on the beach, riding bicycles, taking the tours, and filling the restaurants at 6.30pm and leaving by 8 pm.

Quintessential picture of Broome.

Sunday market outside Court House.

Settlers who are part of the story of Broome

So what is different?

People are very friendly, perhaps as many are visitors many say hello in the street.

There seems to be as many 4 wheel drive vehicles on the beach as people.

The sun sets into the Indian Ocean, a thrill for us from the east coast.

The red dust

The casual dress giving a sense of permanent holiday

The chatty bus driver who joked with the passengers, hailed locals and provided tourist information.

The high prices, not just because of the distance but surely because they can.

Dead thong – local road kill

Animal tracks in the red soil

Of course I could spend much longer in Broome than these 3 days.

Best bits for me

Meeting the 5 older women staying at my hostel who visit and work in Broome each year and who were so welcoming and helpful to me.